Village sets up funds for crosswalk repairs and gas line damage

September 12, 2012

Poland Village Council dealt with crosswalk repairs and damage reimbursement at last week's meeting. Both issues were approved after a brief discussion.

The crosswalk repairs were needed at U.S. 224 and Ohio 616 and at U.S. 224 and Ohio 170. Speaking at the meeting were two residents concerned about the time it takes to cross the busy state routes, to which police Chief Russ Beatty responded.

"Poland Village is the only place in Mahoning County where three state routes come together," Beatty said.

He was referring to the three state routes where crosswalk repairs were needed. He said as far as the crossing lights were concerned, they were all synchronized by the state to keep traffic from backing up. He said the village does have some leeway as to adjustments, but had to be careful so as not to compromise the system. The adjustments were made shortly after the trustees meeting.

"We had some button and wiring issues that have all been repaired," Beatty said on Monday, "and we adjusted the crosswalks to allow for a little more time."

He said the extended crossing time will be monitored during rush hours over the next few weeks to see if the change disrupts the traffic pattern and if pedestrians have enough time to safely cross. At last week's meeting, two residents said they were having trouble crossing the busy routes in the 10 seconds provided.

Trustees also approved paying a damage fee to Dominion Gas Company for damage done by village road crews. The crews had to do some shallow digging on Meadow Lane when they struck and damaged a gas line that was supposed to be deeper than it was. The approved damage reimbursement was for $1,190.84.

In other business:

Councilwoman Christine Yash said the fire board will approve bids for the new station on Ohio 170 at the next meeting. She said low bids have been in the $800,000 range. She also mentioned that the fire board had purchased the property next to the station where the addition will be made.

Council also approved a motion to pay $133.99 for the Mayor's Court clerk at Poland Village Hall to attend a Mayor's Court seminar for three days.